Chapter 7 – One Year Before Everything Began
After the party, nine years had passed.
Thor soared through the skies atop Shiro, the cold wind slicing across his face while clouds drifted around them like cotton islands. The morning sun cast a golden hue across the sky, and the scent of salt from the ocean far below mixed with the crispness of the high altitude.
He had changed. No longer the small boy of the past, Thor now stood at 1.70 meters tall, with a body sculpted through intense training, years of discipline, and countless battles. His muscles were defined, his posture proud. The marks of his growth were visible in every movement — powerful, precise, and calm.
His control over thunder had evolved immensely. Sparks danced along his fingers even when he was relaxed, and the energy within him throbbed like a second heartbeat.
"My thunder power… it's already reached Enel's level," Thor thought, his eyes glowing faintly as he stared at the horizon. "And my physical strength… I'm strong enough to use a mountain as a punching bag."
A small smirk curled at the corner of his lips at the absurdity of that thought — and the fact that it was true.
"At this point, I'm probably on the level of a Jonin from Naruto… or a Vice Admiral in One Piece," he considered, inhaling deeply as he felt the storm energy course through his veins. The sensation was electrifying, like standing at the edge of a lightning strike, but without fear.
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice, soft but commanding.
— Thor! Let's land! — Shiro called over the wind, her voice cutting through the rush of air. — Hold on tight!
Obeying her, Thor gripped her tighter. With a powerful flap of her wings, Shiro began her descent, gliding gracefully through the clouds toward the dense forest surrounding Berk.
The landing was smooth, their arrival masked by the rustling of trees and the cries of distant birds. As they touched the ground, a shimmer of light enveloped Shiro. Her dragon form dissolved, revealing her human appearance — petite and ethereal. She resembled the Shiro from No Game No Life, just as she had at the beginning of the anime — small, with long white hair and violet eyes that seemed too ancient for such a young face.
She landed softly, her feet barely disturbing the fallen leaves on the forest floor. Without hesitation, she leapt into Thor's arms. He caught her effortlessly, cradling her like a princess. She smiled softly as he held her, and the two made their way into their hidden home.
The cabin was a quiet retreat built deep within the forest. Crafted with care and memories, it blended with nature — covered in moss and surrounded by blooming wildflowers. The scent of fresh pine mixed with the warmth of sunbeams slipping through the wooden shutters. Inside, it was simple but cozy — a fireplace in the corner, a wooden table with hand-carved chairs, and two hammocks side by side.
Thor looked down at Shiro still in his arms.
"She's grown stronger too… I think she's at Jonin level already," he thought, watching her rest her head lightly on his shoulder. Her growth had been slow, her appearance barely changing despite the years. It puzzled him at first, but he had come to understand it.
"Must be the long lifespan of dragons… she matures at a different pace."
— Ni-san? — Shiro tilted her head slightly, her soft voice pulling him from his thoughts. — What's wrong?
— It's nothing… — Thor replied with a faint smile. — I'm heading back home. As always, after Father and my brother are asleep, I'll return here. Okay?
She crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks in protest, her eyes narrowing.
— Ni-san… aren't you forgetting something?
Thor chuckled and leaned in, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek.
— There. Happy now?
— See you later, Ni-san. — she said with a small smile, watching him disappear into the trees from the doorway.
As Thor walked through the forest, the sounds of village life gradually grew louder — laughter of children, the clang of blacksmith hammers, and the call of fishermen returning from the docks. Berk was alive with daily routine and camaraderie.
The villagers greeted Thor warmly as he entered. To them, he was the "one blessed by Odin" — a figure of strength and inspiration. Some looked up to him, others envied him, but all respected him.
He nodded back at each greeting as his eyes searched the village. Soon, he spotted Hiccup at the forge, sweat glistening on his brow as he hammered a piece of metal with determined strikes.
Hiccup was lost in thought.
"I'm Hiccup… son of Stoick the Vast… brother to Thor, the one blessed by Odin," he thought to himself, his strikes echoing in rhythm with his inner turmoil. "Everyone expects me to be strong… a warrior. My father is a legend… and my brother commands thunder…"
He frowned.
"But Father doesn't think I can even slay a dragon."
Just then, a loud crack of thunder rolled through the sky. Hiccup looked up, startled, and saw Thor talking with the villagers at the edge of the square. Even the sky seemed to announce his presence — lightning crackled faintly behind him.
Hiccup clenched his fists.
"That's what I want… To be admired like that."
Thor approached, his steps calm and casual.
— Fought with Dad again? — he asked, leaning on the workbench.
— How do you know? — Hiccup grumbled.
— You're only at the forge this late when you don't want to go home.
Hiccup sighed and looked away.
— He still won't let me be a Viking…
— He's just worried. — Thor said, placing a hand on his shoulder. — You're not strong enough to fight yet… he's scared you'll get hurt.
Their conversation was cut short as the twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, along with Astrid, arrived with bright energy and cheerful banter, adding a new rhythm to the quiet of their thoughts.
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